The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspected child trafficker and rescued 11 children in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, DSP Catherine Edet, confirmed the development in a telephone interview on Monday, saying the suspect was in custody while investigations had commenced.
Details of the case were first shared by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who revealed that the suspect, identified as Priscilia Mhiive Terhemen of Mbachir, Katsina-Ala, allegedly trafficked the children to Benin City, Edo State.
According to Makama, the victims were rescued in Edo with the assistance of Benue indigenes living in the state before being returned to Katsina-Ala.
The rescued children were listed as: Iwuese Terkimbi (5), Sulma Terhemen (7), Sechiur Orsuyi (8), Sunday Mlumum (20), Nguveren Sunday (15), Doose Mwaave (12), Ternenge Wuave (11), Mnena Terhemen (16), Aondonengen Terkimbir (12), Nensha Terhemen (10), and Saakuma Terhemen (13).
Police said the children have been profiled, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
This incident comes just weeks after the Enugu State Police Command arrested a 30-year-old man, Raymond Wonna, for alleged involvement in transnational human trafficking.
Two teenage girls from Cross River State, who were reportedly being trafficked to Ghana under the pretext of job opportunities, were rescued in that operation.